General Information on Pennsaid
Pennsaid is indicated in treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee(s). It is mainly used to provide relief caused by osteoarthritis of the knee. Diclofenac sodium, the main active ingredient in Pennsaid, belongs to a family of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Diclofenac works by blocking the action of cyclo-oxygenase, which plays an important role in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are natural substances that cause inflammation, swelling, and pain. They are made by the body to react to specific conditions, diseases, and injuries.
Pennsaid is available in the form of a topical solution. It is a prescription drug, which means you can not buy Pennsaid unless it is recommended by your doctor.
Side effects of Pennsaid
Pennsaid may cause mild to severe side effects in some people. Indigestion, heartburn, stomach upset, nausea, dry/scaly/thickened/itching/redness/burning/tingling sensation in the area where the medication is applied are some less serious side effects associated with Pennsaid. Consult your doctor if any side effects become bothersome or stay for a long time.
Some people may also experience severe side effects after taking a dose of Pennsaid. Bad breath, high blood pressure, redness/swelling of the eyes, rashes/sores/ulcers on the skin, unusual body odor, abnormal burning/pain/prickling sensation on the skin, stomach pain, or wheezing are some severe side effects associated with Pennsaid.
Pennsaid may also cause medical problems. You need to watch out for signs and symptoms that indicate medical problems such as-
- Signs of a liver problem – dark urine, itchy skin, pale stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin, abdominal pain.
- Signs of bladder or urinary tract infection - frequent urination, pain or burning sensation while passing urine, blood in the urine.
- Signs of sinus infection – tenderness or pain around the cheekbones or eyes.
- Signs of bleeding in the stomach – blood in the stools, coughing up of blood, dark colored vomit, dark or tarry stools.
- Signs of allergic reaction – difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat/face/tongue, difficulty breathing, hives.
Dosage of Pennsaid
Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding the dosage. The recommended adult dose of Pennsaid is 40 drops of the medication on the knee, 4 times daily at even intervals, or 50 drops of the medication to the knee, 3 times daily at even intervals.
Apply the medication to the front, back and side of the knee. You should apply Pennsaid on clean and dry skin and not on infected or open skin.
Interactions
Pennsaid may interact with other drugs you are using and cause side effects. It may interact with medicines such as Cyclosporine, lithium, medications for diabetes, bisphosphonates, Digoxin, Desmopressin, Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, medications for high blood pressure, medications/ herbal medications that affect blood clotting, Pemetrexed, Pentoxifylline, Sulfinpyrazone, Voriconazole, tricyclic antidepressants, NSAIDs, medications used to treat excessive acidity, intestinal/stomach ulcers, or reflux.
Inform your doctor about every drug you are using before you buy Pennsaid, including prescription drugs, over the counter medications, and herbal supplements.
